Fall Risk Identification and Management for Older Veterans

Description

Falls are a common occurrence among older adults, and Veterans have an even higher risk of falling compared to non-Veterans. These falls often lead to severe health consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize fall prevention in order to reduce injuries and enable older Veterans to age comfortably at home. Although current fall prevention programs in the Veterans Health Administration primarily focus on inpatient care and nursing homes, there is a pressing need to address falls among older Veterans living independently in the community. The proposed VA-specific Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) model aims to proactively prevent falls in older Veterans who receive primary care, effectively reducing the occurrence of adverse health events associated with falls. By placing emphasis on prevention rather than reacting after falls have already happened, this initiative seeks to significantly enhance the overall well-being of older Veterans.

Conditions

Fall Risk

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Falls are a common occurrence among older adults, and Veterans have an even higher risk of falling compared to non-Veterans. These falls often lead to severe health consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, emergency visits, hospitalizations, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize fall prevention in order to reduce injuries and enable older Veterans to age comfortably at home. Although current fall prevention programs in the Veterans Health Administration primarily focus on inpatient care and nursing homes, there is a pressing need to address falls among older Veterans living independently in the community. The proposed VA-specific Fall Risk Identification and Management (FRIM) model aims to proactively prevent falls in older Veterans who receive primary care, effectively reducing the occurrence of adverse health events associated with falls. By placing emphasis on prevention rather than reacting after falls have already happened, this initiative seeks to significantly enhance the overall well-being of older Veterans.

Development of a Fall Risk Identification and Management Model for Older Veterans

Fall Risk Identification and Management for Older Veterans

Condition
Fall Risk
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Aurora

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045-7211

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Screens positive for increased fall risk within GeriPACT, or generalPACT as needed, (answers "yes" to any of 3 screening questions)
  • * 65 years of age and older
  • * Positive screen on at least two fall risk factor assessments
  • * Access to telehealth
  • * Availability of an additional adult (e.g., caregiver or family member) to be present during the physical assessment
  • * Life expectancy \<12 months, as determined by PCP
  • * Neurological diagnosis (e.g., cerebral vascular accident, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
  • * Moderate cognitive impairment (\<13 on telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BLIND) or \<18 on MoCA Full administered during clinic visit in the previous 3 months)
  • * Unstable condition that precludes safe participation in structured exercise (e.g., recent deep vein thrombosis) if expected fall risk factor is physical, as determined by PCP or chart review
  • * Participation in any intervention components of the FRIM model within the past 6 months
  • * Currently using a wheelchair for mobilization

Ages Eligible for Study

65 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Alexander J Garbin, PhD DPT, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO

Study Record Dates

2029-09-30